Most parents will be aware of the growing demand for school places in Kingston Borough.  To address this problem the Liberal Democrats on Kingston Council have so far:

• Build the new Lime Tree School on Surbiton Hospital Site
• Expanded Grand Avenue School and Christ Church School in Berrylands and St Matthews School in Surbiton
• Opening a new Secondary School in North Kingston in 2015.

However, the pressure on school places continues to grow and rather than continued ‘bulge’ classes, Kingston Council is consulting on permanently expanding both Maple Infants and the corresponding St Andrews & St Marks Junior schools.  Currently the schools take only 60 pupils per year, under the proposal they would take 90 pupils per year starting with reception class in September 2014.

The consultation is open to parents and residents.  The statutory notice is available here.  Please email to matthew.paul@rbk.kingston.gov.uk your comments by Friday 21st February 2014.

I live in Westfield Road and both my children went to these schools.  They are very special places with great Headteachers and staff so I can understand why they are so popular.  For others, there will be concerns about increased traffic and parking in the nearby road.   I understand the pressures facing the Council on school places – last year you had to live within about 0.5km from the school to be offered a place if you didn’t have a sister or brother there already! 

For the consultation to be successful as many residents and parents as possible need to give their views.

says Diane White